Reviews
American Black Widow: The Shocking True Story of a Preacher's Wife Turned Killer by Gregg Olsen
rosinaw's review against another edition
4.0
I know this was true crime, but it felt more like a regular book to me? I also had a hard time keeping track of
characters even though I shouldn't have because I know the storyline (from a podcast). You could definitely tell that all the research and time he put into it was well worth it! I got so frustrated at the multiple men in her life and just wanted to shake them through my kindle screen! I am a true crime addict and for some reason I think I would prefer to stick to my podcasts than reading a book. I definitely recommend if your even slightly into true crime and mystery!
characters even though I shouldn't have because I know the storyline (from a podcast). You could definitely tell that all the research and time he put into it was well worth it! I got so frustrated at the multiple men in her life and just wanted to shake them through my kindle screen! I am a true crime addict and for some reason I think I would prefer to stick to my podcasts than reading a book. I definitely recommend if your even slightly into true crime and mystery!
chantalsbookstuff's review
4.0
Black Widow is a gripping title that aptly describes Sharon. With three husbands - one divorced, one missing and one deceased - and lingering suspicions surrounding her involvement. Sharon's story is inspired by true events of notorious Sharon Lynn Douglas Neilson. Gregg Olsen delves into the events leading up to each failed marriage. Sharon was working to have a better life than what she grew up in, but she ruined many lives along the way and its questionable how she got away with acting like she did especially while she was the ministers wife. Although the story occasionally jumps timelines, causing slight confusion, overall, it was an engaging listen. The skilled narrator effectively maintained the pace, even during slower moments.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC.
readingqueen83's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you NetGalley and Thread Books for a complimentary copy of this book! American Black Widow is a True Crime novel about a minister’s wife, Sharon Fuller Nelson Harrelson. It begins in the late 1970’s Colorado. Her first minister husband, Mike, luckily, isn’t one of her victims. But her next two husbands, Perry & Glenn, die under mysterious circumstances. You will see how Sharon was a charming, but greedy, manipulative, sex-crazed woman!!! She divorced her first husband, Minister Mike Fuller. She marries Perry Nelson, an Optometrist. His body is later found near a body of water. Her third husband, Glenn Harrelson is a fire fighter. Ironically, his remains are found with two bullet holes and his body badly burned. You will see throughout all her marriages, Sharon carried on with other men. For anyone who loves a good True Crime novel, this is not one to miss!!! Available July 13, 2023!
pandasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect for fans of true crime. American Black Widow is the third edition of this novel, previously published as “The Confessions of an American Black Widow: A True Story of Greed, Lust and a Murderous Wife” and “Bitch on Wheels” both published in 1998. Written in Olsen’s true crime style, this story focuses on real-life black widow, Sharon Nelson. I read this one and Starvation Heights after reading Olsen’s “If You Tell” which remains one of my favorite books. While this one doesn’t quite compare to the shocking and horrifying tale in that book, this one still is an enjoyable read and fascinating exploration of real-life horror. I enjoyed going back and reading articles about the case and events after reading this book. If you’re a fan of this genre you will no doubt find something to love in this book. I’m going to be keeping an eye out for other works by this author.
alisonb's review against another edition
4.0
The synopsis hooked me and then the story pulled me in-I had a hard time setting this book down!
This is a true story about a woman named Sharon Nelson and her predilection for collecting men in her web of deception and manipulation. The tempo of this story begins at a steady clip, but as the tale progresses Sharon's lies and exploitation of people increases, and so did the pace of my turning of the pages! I found myself asking: how did this woman hold so much power over the men in her life? There are insinuations that it was her sexual prowess, but that alone could only have gone so far.
This story did leave me with more questions than answers, but I learned a lot about a crime duo whom I had never heard of before. I would be very interested in a follow up story, from a psychological perspective, regarding how Sharon-and several other infamous black widow's-so deftly committed crimes and ruined lives without being found out until they had done irrevocable damage.
If you are interested in true crime and enjoy a narrative approach to your nonfiction, this might be a book you would enjoy.
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Threads via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
This is a true story about a woman named Sharon Nelson and her predilection for collecting men in her web of deception and manipulation. The tempo of this story begins at a steady clip, but as the tale progresses Sharon's lies and exploitation of people increases, and so did the pace of my turning of the pages! I found myself asking: how did this woman hold so much power over the men in her life? There are insinuations that it was her sexual prowess, but that alone could only have gone so far.
This story did leave me with more questions than answers, but I learned a lot about a crime duo whom I had never heard of before. I would be very interested in a follow up story, from a psychological perspective, regarding how Sharon-and several other infamous black widow's-so deftly committed crimes and ruined lives without being found out until they had done irrevocable damage.
If you are interested in true crime and enjoy a narrative approach to your nonfiction, this might be a book you would enjoy.
I read and reviewed an advanced eARC of this book thanks to Threads via NetGalley. All honest opinions are my own.
marissahux's review against another edition
4.0
Another great read & listen by Gregg Olsen. He seamlessly retells the events of Sharon's life while including things from her past to give you a clearer picture of who she is.
Another story that completely blows my mind how one person can manipulate so many people and get away with causing so much grief and chaos. Knowing that it's a true story breaks my heart for the kids involved. I just can't imagine living and going through everything they all faced.
I so enjoy his clear retellings of events, and the narrator did a fantastic job with the audio!
Another story that completely blows my mind how one person can manipulate so many people and get away with causing so much grief and chaos. Knowing that it's a true story breaks my heart for the kids involved. I just can't imagine living and going through everything they all faced.
I so enjoy his clear retellings of events, and the narrator did a fantastic job with the audio!